How to fit a stainless steel splashback: screw-fix, adhesive, tile-return or pot-pan rail?

A stainless steel splashback is the quickest way to give a cooker wall a wipe-clean, commercial-kitchen finish without tiling. Displaypro makes four styles in our Norfolk workshop, all from 430-grade brushed stainless steel with the grain running horizontally. This guide explains the differences, what arrives in the box and how to fit each one.

1. Measure the wall first

Measure the width of the space between units or walls and the height from the worktop (or hob) to the underside of the extractor or wall units. Our stock splashbacks come in heights from 450mm to 950mm in 50mm steps and widths from 500mm to 1200mm; if your space is in between, the cut-to-size splashback is made to your exact millimetre size. Always follow your cooker or hob manufacturer's clearance instructions – the splashback must not reduce the distance they specify between the hob and anything above it.

2. Choose the fixing style

Screw-fix splashback. A flat panel with drilled corners. Screws, wall plugs and stainless steel screw caps are supplied, so the fixings are visible but neat. Best for flat interior walls where you may want to remove the panel again. Check the supplied plugs suit your wall – plasterboard, brick and block each need the right plug or anchor.

Adhesive splashback. The same flat panel with no holes, fixed with a good-quality grab adhesive, silicone or VHB tape. Choose the adhesive for your wall type (porous plaster versus painted or tiled surfaces) and follow its instructions for cure time.

Tile-return splashback. Formed into a 20mm-deep tray so the edges sit flush with standard tiles, with supports behind the face to stop flexing. Keyhole cut-outs on the reverse take concealed screws, so nothing shows on the front; adhesive is an alternative on a flat wall.

Pot-and-pan rail splashback. The tile-return tray with a height-adjustable, removable rail and five stainless steel S hooks for pans and utensils. Fitted the same way – hidden keyhole screw mounting or adhesive on a flat wall.

3. Fitting step by step

1. Leave the protective film on until the job is finished.
2. Hold the panel in place and mark the fixing positions (screw-fix) or the keyhole positions (tile-return and pot-pan rail). A spirit level across the top edge saves a crooked finish.
3. Drill and plug the wall, fit the screws so the heads will sit in the keyholes, or run beads of adhesive across the back of an adhesive panel.
4. Lower the panel onto the screws, or press it to the wall and support it while the adhesive cures.
5. Fit the screw caps (screw-fix) or the rail and hooks (pot-pan rail), then peel the film.

4. Looking after it

Clean with warm water and a mild detergent, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Wipe away food salts and acids promptly and avoid bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, caustic products, solvents and coarse abrasives – they mark the brushed finish. Our stainless steel grades guide explains why 430 grade suits indoor kitchens.

Acrylic instead?

For a coloured gloss finish, acrylic splashbacks are cut to size and fixed with grab adhesive – but they must not be fitted within 150mm of an open flame or heated appliance, so they suit sink and worktop runs rather than directly behind a gas hob.

Not sure which to choose? Contact us with your measurements and a photo of the wall and we'll point you to the right one. Browse the full splashback range.